After each had weighed the costs of their respective options, Nikos Christodoulidis and Nikolas Papadopoulos spoke again. Yesterday’s discussion between the President and the DIKO secretariat took place in a calm atmosphere, and this was by no means a coincidence, since both sides had come to understand where their red lines lay and how far they could go in their demands.

Government sources reported that DIKO requested 30% representation in the Cabinet—a figure that had been agreed upon before the election—meaning four ministerial or deputy ministerial posts. The final arrangement that Christodoulides and Papadopoulos appear to have agreed upon involves DIKO taking on one additional ministry and one additional deputy ministry.

However, the President of the Republic made it clear that the Ministries of Finance and the Interior, which they requested, will not be granted to them; but he will consider their request for a ministry of comparable scope.

READ ALSO: The new Christodoulides-Nikola “deal” in the shadow of the cabinet reshuffle, the background to the meeting

The issue of semi-governmental organizations will also serve as a litmus test for the relationship between the two. DIKO members pointed out to Nikos Christodoulides that he can bypass the advisory council and personally appoint those he deems qualified.

“Semi-governmental organizations are an extension of the government’s work and policy; therefore, the President has every right—and the Constitution grants him this right— not me or you—to exercise his constitutional right and appoint whomever he deems most suitable.”
_{^{George Solomou – Secretary-General of DIKO}}

The… others

That said, the Minister of Education and the Deputy Minister of Innovation—even though DIKO does not consider them part of their own ranks—were nominated by the party.

Makis Keravnos was nominated by Marios Karoyan, but everyone gave their approval for his selection.

As for Vasilis Palma and Marinos Mousioutta, who come from the DIPA, DIKO agrees that they should remain in the Cabinet, since relations with parties that are no longer represented in Parliament must remain open, just as the prospect of strengthening the centrist political spectrum must also remain open.

Based on this, the Ministry of Agriculture remains vacant, and the possibility of a minor cabinet “reshuffle” is gaining ground.

The fact is that the timing of the reshuffle is the exclusive and constitutional right of the President of the Republic. However, his close associates estimate that it will take place quite soon. Even before August…

Watch the report by Kleio Vourkou: